Concealed Carry Handgun - best choice?

[TripleB]

I'm looking to buy my first concealed handgun, need to stay under $450, and several Smith & Wesson models are high on my list. btw: I'm 48 yo, 6'2", 190 pounds

I would like to carry the handgun in my front jeans/khakis/shorts pocket...but I tried an IWB holster tonight (minus the gun) and it didn't feel quite as uncomfortable as I thought it would. Probably would still rather carry it in the pocket if possible.

The S&W models* I'm considering are:
- 442 Revolver
- M&P Bodyguard .380
- M&P Compact 9mm
- Shield 9mm

I'll be carrying a Bauer .25 auto in my pocket until I purchase something more powerful.

So, with which of these do you feel would make the best choice for pocket carry?

Thanks for any and all advice!

TripleB

* handguns from other companies I'm considering are: Ruger LCR/LC9s/SR9c, Glock 42, Sig Sauer P250SC/P290RS, Springfield XD-SC/XDS

 

[murphydog]

You will need a fairly large front pocket to carry some of the above (be sure to use a pocket holster), and others are best carried in a IWB/OWB holster.

A 442/642 or a .380 Bodyguard would be good choices, as would an LCR (an intriguing choice in 9 mm). You didn't mention in your other post how much shooting experience you have, but regular practice with these small guns is essential. Hope this is helpful.

 

[snubbyfan]

442 works for me.

 

[lrrifleman]

Hello Triple B,

If I were looking at pocket carry in pants, I would lean towards a semi-auto over a revolver. A revolver is thicker, and I think will "print" faster. Additionally, considering today's potential threats and modern predators with a Wolfpack mentality, I think that I might be under gunned with a 5 shot revolver and better served with a magazine fed semi-auto. While I can reload my Model 36 quickly with speedloaders, the 5/6 shot capacity is within the predator's counting range.

Personally, I think that you may be better served with the Shield in 9mm. My CFP include an older Model 439, a 1911 Commander, or my Model 36-6, depending on where I am heading and my gut feeling. All will be carried IWB, unless I will be driving long distances, then they will be in a shoulder holster.

Hope that this gives you a bit to consider.

 

[snubbyfan]

A J frame snubby'll ride great in a pocket with a proper pocket holster.

 

[Jerrymanderin]

My opinion is go with the shield and carry iwb. Excellent carry gun

 

[Muss Muggins]

Is this your first handgun, or your first handgun specifically for CC? Are you more comfortable with a revolver or a semi-auto?

 

[Kanewpadle]

The 442 is probably the most versatile carry gun ever made.

 

[Muss Muggins]

442 works for me.

I have always liked that pic of your carry rig . . .

 

[Cal44]

I'm sure we will reach a total consensus on what is the best CC handgun.

I'll go out on a limb and say it's the Ruger LCR 357.

You get 38 special and 357 magnum in a 17 oz gun.

17 oz is enough to make 357 magnum shootable in a snub, and it's much lighter than the all steel J's like the M60 and M640.

The 9mm LCR is another good one. I have one of those also. Same weight.

Here they are. The 9mm on top and the 357 on the bottom. (Or is it the other way around?)

 

[Muss Muggins]

I'm sure we will reach a total consensus on what is the CC handgun.

I'll go out on a limb and say it's the Ruger LCR 357.

You get 38 special and 357 magnum in a 17 oz gun.

17 oz is enough to make 357 magnum shootable in a snub, and it's much lighter than the all steel J's like the M60 and M640.

The 9mm LCR is another good one. I have one of those also. Same weight.

Here they are. The 9mm on top and the 357 on the bottom. (Or is it the other way around?)

I've got a Ruger LCR in .22 WMR with CT Lasergrips that I shove in a coat pocket every once in a while . . .

 

[TripleB]

Is this your first handgun, or your first handgun specifically for CC? Are you more comfortable with a revolver or a semi-auto?

I currently have a Browning Buckmark .22 and a Bauer .25 auto my mom gave me. While the .25 will be my concealed carry until I purchase something more powerful, this would be my first actual concealed carry purchase. And with money being a bit tight (8 year old son and a 19 year old daughter who is in college), this one will need to last me a good while

I would like to say I'm comfortable with either...loved shooting a friend of mine's .357 Magnum (around a 5" barrel on it) revolver, but also love shooting my Buckmark. So right now I would say I prefer one over the other.

TripleB

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

TripleB:
Sounds like you and I are pretty much the same build(I do have a few years on you, though). I carry an M&P9c in a N82 tactical Professional iwb holster. Like you, I NEVER thought I would be carrying iwb; it just sounded too uncomfortable. I was fortunate enough to find a "used" N82 at a great price, so I tried it. I can and have carried it for 12-16 hours a day, driving, walking, sitting, even took a nap or two with it on. It won't be going back in the "for sale" ads. Wish I was close enough for you to try it on; I think you would like it.

 

[Muss Muggins]

This is just me thinking out loud, after considering everything you've posted so far. If it were me, I'd put that Bauer on the shelf now and buy the 442 or a Ruger LCR as soon as I could.

 

[Jaysq]

I have the Shield in 9mm and find it a bit too large for everyday carry in a pocket. It will take a large pocket to make it work. A carry gun should be one that you will not leave home without.

i am just not big of a fan of pocket carry unless there is no other choice and then I carry my Baby Sigma in .380. The Shield is just so easy to conceal that I can carry it in a dedicated leather OWB holster with no problem. It is easily covered with a button type **** left untucked and unbuttoned. If the weather is cooler a fleece vest does the trick. It is the most comfortable way to carry.

 

[raylan007]

I think your on the right track, I too have been looking at the 642 for pocket carry or occasional carry in a jacket which I know is different from your situation. You can really shop for both models and find a factory NIB for as low as $340 as I did. I chose the 642 over the 442 due to the black finish while being attractive showing wear more readily. I have a M60-7 and a M15-4 2" I am going to try first before I buy the 642. In the process I found a pocket holster from Barsony here in my home state that I ordered for the M15-4 2" "K" frame that I was impressed by. I have yet to receive it. It was the first I had heard of them so it will be interesting to see the quality they produce. Sure looked good in the photo. Good Luck

Pocket Holsters - Revolver - Barsony Holsters & Belts LLC

 

[Wishbone]

I pocket carry a 442 every day. I don't like iwb carry as it rubs. A J frame snubby just disappears.

 

[rsrha454lv]

About the LCR. In 357 its not exactly shootable. Accuracy for me is ****. Recoil is a bear. For sd I don't sweat the recoil as much but consider it for follow up shots. Issue. Accuracy another issue. Very pocketable. Just need to practice. A lot

 

[amcline82]

I got a shield 40 and love it.

 

[robertrwalsh]

If you insist on pocket carry I would definitely go with the revolver. Be sure to use a pocket holster, it keeps the gun from rotating in your pocket and will also reduce printing.